Northern Michigan Flyfishing Report Nov 23, 2009

Winter is upon us in Northwest Michigan.

Steelhead remain in the river and should continue to trickle into the river systems with water temps ranging from the high 30’s to low 40’s. Look for fish to be in the deeper, slower water and on the sunny days look in tail-outs for the fish warming themselves. Take advantage of the days that have a little sun and a bump in air temps that can warm the water a couple of degrees – these conditions can be just enough to trigger and improve the bite and make fishing conditions more comfortable. There is still the occasional Coho found in most of our rivers and it’s a good opportunity to catch a lake run brown trout this time of year on the Betsie. Lake Trout are available to those fishing close to the river mouths on rivers like the Platte and Boardman – just another testament to our variety of fish species. Nothing new on flies: egg patterns, hex nymphs, stones and small caddis.

Trout fishing on the upper-river now requires a slower retrieve. Those fishing streamers should try the mid-size streamers fished on shorter sink-tips for the best shot. As with the steelhead, look for an increase in water temperatures to help improve the bite – it doesn’t take much. This is a good time of year to fish with some nymphs dead-drifted and swung at the end.

Good luck!

The Northern Angler

November Sights in Michigan

So this post isn't directly related to fly fishing but it is a video of something cool that we get to see in northern Michigan in the fall. The video was taken about a week ago and it is a clip of what I call the "screensaver birds" (they remind me of those old Windows screensavers). It's one of those mesmerizing flocks of mixed blackbirds (cowbirds, starlings, redwings) that mass in the fall and spend hours twisting, turning, splitting, and converging in some sort of chaotic dance. I still haven't found a solid explanation of why exactly they do this but it is fun to watch. This was by the Tom's at 14th and Division here in Traverse City.

Northern Michigan Flyfishing Report Nov 13th, 2008

Finally - seasonable weather.

Cooler days, lack of sun, snow and rain mix…. This is what most people think of when they think steelhead. While we have had some precipitation, we haven’t had enough to provide a big push of water and fish but some new fish continue to find their way upstream. With water temps still in the 40’s the fish are still moving a bit to eat but are starting to edge over to the structure of wood and deeper water. Lots of egg patterns in both natural sizes/colors as well as some larger/ bright eggs are still the primary diet of fish. Nymphs are starting to become more productive – hexes, big stones, and bugger patterns are reliable bets. The water has become very clear so be sure to fish light line and or fluorocarbon until the water changes. The Manistee and Betsie should be getting a few more Lake-Run Browns into the system over the next couple of weeks as we get closer to December. The weir on the Platte has been raised so fish should be throughout the river system when they have good reason to enter the river. The urban anglers fishing the Boardman are finding some steelhead and Lake Trout throughout the river – from the mouth to the dam.

Trout fishing is still a solitary thing until spring. The Upper-Manistee is low and clear but the fish are still willing to eat a streamer. Be sure to fish your streamer a little slower with the lower water temps and change patterns often to find what they are looking for (Hint: Lots of wiggle and swagger).

Firearm deer season is Nov. 15-30^th – be sure to wear some hunter’s orange for safety.

Good Luck!

The Northern Angler

Northern Michigan Flyfishing Report Nov 5th, 2008

Our warmer weather has stabilized water temperatures and the fall Steelhead are still fighting with all that they have. Last week’s rain has come and gone bringing in fresh fish – just not in huge numbers. Water levels are good but clarity is very clear – those using fluorocarbon will do better fooling fish than those who don’t. Eggs are the primary choice of flies – big, small, natural and bright. The nymph bite is starting to improve: steelhead buggers, hex nymphs and caddis are a bit typical, but proven. If fishing the Manistee at the dam, use smaller nymphs and very small eggs for your best chance. Those looking to swing flies will find the temps are ideal and there are fish in the river to play along.

The Betsie is still running low and clear and the timing of steelhead will depend strictly on weather. All of our local rivers are dependent on both wind direction on the lake and rain to bring the levels up. Looking ahead at the forecast, we should have more fish in our rivers this fall.
The trout fishing on the Upper Manistee River should find the last of the Brown Trout spawning and fish eager to eat after completing their rigorous task. You will find the water very low and clear so use stealth while fishing. Because of the warmer weather, tie on some terrestrials and see what comes up including beetles, ants and even a smaller attractor.
Good Luck,

The Northern Angler